On Saturday, Oct. 12, the Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy’s “Mandai ni Mau – Dancing Forever,” held at Leeward Community College’s Leeward Theatre, unfolded as a moving tribute to legacy and devotion to the art of Okinawan dance. Sisters Lisa Nakandakari and Julia Okamura together with Keith Oshiro – all master instructors, or Shihan – took the stage, honoring the late Lynne Yoshiko and Clarence Nakasone. Old photographs and videos projected as the backdrop throughout the performance told the story of a legacy dedicated to preserving the heart of Okinawan tradition.
Nakandakari and Okamura are the daughters of the late Lynne Yoshiko and Clarence Nakasone. Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone was born in Naha, Okinawa in 1933 where she began dancing under Master Ryosho Kin at the age of 6. In 1955, she moved to Hawaii with Clarence where she began teaching Okinawan dance and founded Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy.
The recital “Mandai ni Mau,” emceed by Norman Nakasone, marks the first performance directed by a new generation following the passing of Yoshiko Nakasone in 2022. It was a full house at Leeward Theatre. People from the community enjoyed a three-part program featuring “Ayakari no Mai – Dances of good fortune we have received,” “Goshin no Mai – Dances of self-defense,” and “Hana – Dances of Flowers.”
Artistic director, Nakandakari, wrote in her program message, “Grandmaster [Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone] received many prestigious awards, and was recognized for her accomplishments throughout her lifetime. However, her greatest happiness was when she performed on the same stage with her children and grandchildren. I have the same feeling of happiness while teaching my granddaughter who is 3 years old. Someday soon, I hope to be dancing on stage with my grandchildren.”
In addition to the musical entertainment, four kyoshi (instructors) were honored with a presentation of certificates: Linda Tanimoto, Michelle Takeda, Judy Tome, and Julia Yamashiro.
The jiutee ensemble comprised of Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyu Choichi Kai USA’s Grant “Masanduu” Murata (Honolulu), Kenton Odo (Okinawa), Sean Sadaoka (Waipahu), and Ryan Nakamatsu (Los Angeles) – all Shihan in uta-sanshin. Other musicians included Tom Yamamoto, uta-sanshin, Yushusho (Honolulu); Lisa Sadaoka, koto, Kaishu (Waipahu); Lynn Miyashiro Masuda, fue, Shihan (Honolulu); Wreyn Waniya, kucho, Shinjinsho (Mililani); June, Uyeunten, taiko, Shihan (Aiea); and Chikako Murata and Mindy Oumi, hweeshi.
“Mandai ni Mau – Dancing Forever” left the audience with a profound sense of connection to tradition and family. The performance was more than a recital; it was a poignant celebration of generations dedicated to the art of Okinawan dance, woven together by a shared devotion to preserving and passing down cultural heritage. In honoring their beloved mentors and parents, Lisa Nakandakari and Julia Okamura, along with Keith Oshiro and the Hooge Ryu Hana Nuuzi no Kai Nakasone Dance Academy, reminded us that tradition lives on through love, commitment, and the joyous moments shared on stage. In the spirit of Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone, the academy will continue to dance forward, embodying her legacy in every step, every gesture, and every shared heartbeat of the Okinawan community.
